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Kingsholm will give Hartpury the chance to play in front of a large crowd and allow some of the younger players to experience it for the first time.

Hartpury's squad for the 2017/18 season

Cornwell added: “Part of the issue that we have going into the Bristol game is that they will have probably 12 or 13 thousand people at Ashton Gate and I don’t want the atmosphere to overawe the players that have never played in an environment like that before.

“So Friday is a little bit of a test for that, playing in a stadium where there will be a few thousand people shouting and screaming for the opposition.

“It is key that they get used to that and they will have eight or nine days to sort that out in their heads after Friday.

“I just don’t want the occasion to get to the boys. I know them, I know how good they can be and I know they can step up to the challenge on Friday.”

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Hartpury have picked four Gloucester players in their squad to face the Cherry and Whites at Kingsholm. Harry Randall, Alex Craig, Will Safe and Henry Walker will play against Gloucester having been dual-registered.

The college side will play Bristol on the opening day of the season at Ashton Gate.

“Bristol have spent a lot of money and they have some outstanding players as well as coaches,” said Cornwell.

“But if you sit back, let them play and them do what they want then they will wipe the floor with you.

“The boys know the challenge that awaits them against Bristol and they know they will need to meet that challenge head on even to stay in the contest.”